Residents across Northwestern Ontario are preparing to host family, and friends and gather as Christmas is only two weeks away.
As people gear up to travel or welcome many people into their homes for the holiday season Kenora-Rainy MPP, Greg Rickford wanted to take the time to make sure people are safe this Christmas as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the region.
“It’s so hard as we round into our second full holiday season of this [COVID-19], it seems difficult to wrap your head around, but if you’re with vaccinated people and following the rules I think you can have a safe and happy holiday, but you do have to be mindful of some of the larger gatherings you might be a part of,” said Rickford.
At a media briefing last week Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit said people this holiday season should be mindful of risk, and travel, and their interactions.
“Physical distancing masking indoors is key. Getting vaccinated is a great way of protecting yourself and others and just thinking through the usual public health measures that we've been generally encouraging.”
The NWHU has issued a Celebrating the Winter Holidays Safely that outlines COVID safety tips for traveling, visiting Santa, hosting social gatherings, and outdoor activities.
Currently, the NWHU is showing high vaccination numbers with 97.7 per cent of those 12 and older having gotten one dose, and 92.6 per cent fully vaccinated.